Four years ago, Tom Morrissey walked out of the AZ GOP office for the last time. In his wake, he left the party in a massive financial hole, missing equipment stolen by former staff, and ethical questions swirling regarding alleged kickbacks and improper use of Republican Party funds.

When Morrissey attempted a comeback two years later in a bid to become Maricopa County GOP chairman, he finished 3rd in a 3-person race.

It is hard to imagine a worse messenger on the issues of transparency and financial disclosure. Remember when Tom Morrisey’s state party used to pay thousands of dollars in “consulting fees” to a towing company owned by a party staffer that Morrisey had claimed to fire?

And yet, on Thursday, Morrissey ran to possibly the only outlet in Arizona that has any interest in what he has to say: The Republican Briefs, better known as Frosty’s Fake News.

The substance of Mr. Morrissey’s attack is largely irrelevant, but here it goes. Morrissey is shocked…SHOCKED…that the Arizona GOP is keeping sensitive financial information private by requesting non-disclosure agreements from anyone in possession of proprietary documents.

This is standard operating procedure. It protects the party. It protects GOP donors. And it protects the signers, who can operate with confidence knowing that the documents they have access to will be kept in the strictest of confidence from those that might use the information for nefarious purposes.

While Morrissey’s attacks are baseless, and the clear rantings of a failed chairman who was unable to execute even the most basic tasks of a Party leader, the real shame, as usual, goes to Frosty Taylor, and her misguided and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to impugn the integrity of Chairman Jonathan Lines and his professional team at the AZ GOP.

While Frosty’s #FakeNews gives unfettered access to every personal attack, unfounded rumor and bald faced lie, she’s been remarkably silent when it comes to supporting Republicans and attacking Democrats.

While Lines and the GOP have relentlessly pointed out the thousands of dollars accepted by liberal Kyrsten Sinema from known sex-traffickers, and Ruben Gallego’s hypocritical attacks on GOP rock-star Martha McSally, Frosty’s Fake News has chosen instead to train fire on fellow Republicans.

As we’ve said before, perhaps she’d be more comfortable working for the Democrats…she’s probably the best ally they have.

Time to air some dirty laundry! These latest reports from several Republicans in Maricopa County. After reading these accounts, we wonder why anyone in their right mind would want to participate as an elected Republican party official?

We will post additional perspectives as we receive them.

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I don’t normally get involved in the AZ Republican Party food fights but what happened at the EGC meeting last week is over the top. I feel everyone should know what is happening behind the scenes whether you are a PC or not.

Many of us who volunteer in politics are not in it seek attention to boost ourselves. Instead we realize the country under Barack Obama is deteriorating quickly. Our battle is all about America and electing candidates who will fight for conservative principles and get America back on track. We must continue to fight the good fight for our country and keep our eye on the big picture and the ultimate goal. However, we also should be aware of what others are doing to put obstacles in our way. This is the reason I need to share the recent chain of events. Sandi B.

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And from Frosty Taylor’s MCRC Briefs:

Chins Are Still Wagging about Wednesday night’s Maricopa County Republican Committee’s Executive Guidance Committee (MCRC EGC) Donnybrook. The agenda didn’t list screaming, hollering, shouting matches, nor a failed attempt to pass a vote of no confidence resolution against chairman Tyler Bowyer– but that’s what EGC members endured. “It was just awful… just awful,” confided one attendee. Emotions ran high during nearly an hour of chaos that ended in a ‘vote of confidence resolution’ tally that favored Chairman Tyler Bowyer by 15-14…one vote. See 11-4-15-briefs Witnesses say EGC Board Second Vice Chairman Aaron Borders lead the charge against Bowyer, backed by First Vice Chairman Jeni White. Rumors have sprouted that Borders and White might be asked to resign at the December EGC meeting. Borders presented a two page, single-spaced resolution listing some 19 complaint allegations regarding Bowyer’s leadership/ management techniques ranging from lack of communication with the EGC members to misrepresentation of the EGC. Some says Bowyers opponents arrived with prepared ballots before the lengthy resolution was brought to the floor. Reports had circulated Wednesday morning that Bowyers opponents wanted a ballot vote because some thought a voice or hand vote would fail. Others say Bowyers opponents lost votes because of unprofessional behavior. Regardless of whose version you chose to believe, the whole episode is an embarrassment to the party. It’s apparent that Bowyer needs to knock off with some of his shenanigans, start communicating better with his members, improve his management skills and that a parliamentarian, a Sgt at Arms and a security officer need to be in attendance in December. Those prone to screaming and yelling need to try a calm, professional manner. Bully tactics turn off your fellow Republicans. Dems must be laughing their heads off.

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And from former AZGOP Chairman Tom Morrissey:

MCRC Chairman Tyler Bowyer beat back another underhanded attempt by the establishment to take control of the party and stop the conservative momentum which is gaining ground thanks to the efforts of grassroots groups like the Tea Party and AzRA and as a result, now within our party. This was very reminiscent of the moves made against me when I was State Chair by the same contingent. The only difference this time was that they are more open as to who is doing what. But it is the same old, same old. The establishment believes that they and they alone have all the answers and the right to control the GOP. Fact is, that is not an absolute and the ground is moving under their feet and it’s not moving in their direction. They should take a close look at what just happened in Kentucky and Virginia (again). Their champions are going down because conservatism is no longer contained within the boundaries of a party it is now awake and has become the movement it must be, to turn this country around. We ALL make mistakes and Tyler is no exception, but his heart and principles are solid as he does the very difficult job of chairman. I made mistakes as well but in the end WE were extremely successful in the elections of 2012 despite the attacks on us by the establishment. Go Tyler! And Trump, Carson and Cruz!

[Editor: To understand what is going on, you first need to know that the Chairman of the Maricopa County Republican Committee has a less than cooperative Board. The Chairman is a conservative but three of the Board members are McCainiacs. It makes for very unhappy political bedfellows and a lack of political maturity. The inevitable food fight broke out at their last meeting. The following report is one attendee’s take on the events. From other reports, it appears this report is an accurate accounting of the evenings failed attempt at sabotage. The conservative Republicans have a lot of work to do and this nonsense is just a time-waster! No doubt the goal of the saboteurs.]

Guest Columnist:

So, at the November 4, 2015 meeting of the Maricopa County Republican Committee (“MCRC”) Executive Guidance Committee (“EGC”) meeting, some members of the EGC brought a silly, out of order, motion to pass a silly resolution, which shall be deemed the “Great Silly Nothingburger Resolution of the Malcontents.” (Hint: To figure out the identities of these malcontents, follow the money – find out who are beholden to government, are allied with the “reach across the aisle” elected Republicans, or profit from government contracts.) These malcontents said in their proposed resolution, “Whereas in regard to the bylaws and the delineated duties, the objectives of the MCRC should be reflected in all actions of the Chairman in his representation of such in the ‘official capacity’ and within the countywide activities . . . .”

Agreed. The same applies to the rest of the EGC members.

Let’s look at their duties.

MCRC First Vice-Chairman: (Jeni White)

The duties of the MCRC First Vice-Chairman shall be to:

Perform duties assigned by the MCRC Chairman or by the Bylaws of the MCRC,

Perform the duties of the MCRC Chairman during an absence of the MCRC Chairman or in the event of a vacancy until the vacancy is filled.

See anything there about a duty to bring a motion for a resolution for a “Vote of No Confidence with Call for Independent Audit”?

Neither did I.

And while we are discussing “duties,” keep in mind that NONE of these “duties,” both those of the MCRC Chairman or the “lowly” precinct committeeman, are in any way forced by statute. Our Arizona Republican Party is entirely made up of unpaid volunteers. The AZ GOP Chairman can try all he might to “order” a “lowly” precinct committeeman to do this or that. Good luck with that. Because an elected or appointed PC is a voluntary participant in our AZ GOP and can do as much, or as little, as he likes with respect to the Party. He is only beholden to the Republicans in his precinct. Who can decide to not re-elect him (or, in the case of appointed PCs, elect him in the next primary).

This is not rocket science.

Moving on to the duties of MCRC Second Vice-Chairman: (Aaron Borders)

The duties of the MCRC Second Vice-Chairman shall be to:

Perform duties as may be assigned by the MCRC Chairman or the Bylaws of the MCRC,

Perform the duties of the MCRC Chairman during as [sic] absence of the MCRC Chairman and the First Vice- Chairman, and

Be the liaison officer for the MCRC to the various Republican Clubs in Maricopa County.

See anything there about a duty to bring a motion for a resolution for a “Vote of No Confidence with Call for Independent Audit”?

Neither did I.

Nor do the duties of the Secretary include a duty to bring a motion for a resolution for a “Vote of No Confidence with Call for Independent Audit.”

The LD Chairs and Members At Large? They have no duties that would allow for the bringing of the Great Silly Nothingburger Resolution of the Malcontents. But the LD Chairs are to “Cooperate with the MCRC Chairman.” And all EGC members are to support the objectives of the Committee.

The Bylaws say the Duties of the EGC members include “Act[ing] collectively as an advisory and guidance group to the MCRC Chairman” and “Assist[ing] the MCRC Chairman with the specific responsibilities designated for each member of the MCRC Chairman.” And as to all of the above, besides the MCRC Chairman and the Treasurer, all of the rest of the members of the EGC “have, essentially, NO power to tell either the MCRC Chairman or the Treasurer what to do. Oh, they can ask, cajole, hint, “demand,” “direct,” or throw a temper tantrum and stamp their feet or hold their breath, but the real power lies in the hands of the Chairman and the Treasurer. Yet there they were, wasting everyone’s time, when they could have just emailed their “demands” to the Chairman. Silly.

Political party committees are not public bodies. They are not corporations. They are private voluntary associations of like-minded (in theory, based on the concept of having party platforms define a party’s values and objectives) persons. The elected and appointed members, precinct committeeman, are volunteers. Governed by bylaws.

Earth to the members of the EGC who supported this silly motion: The bylaws of political party committees, including those of the Arizona Republican Party, must give the Chairman and the Treasurer essentially dictatorial powers because, otherwise, without such powers, nothing will get accomplished.

As was reflected by the 60 or so man hours of time wasted by the EGC members on the silly motion.

Please, former tea partiers, please, newcomers, please, people with common sense: Think about this long and hard. And then think some more.

This is taught in 7th Grade Civics. I had such a course in public school. Perhaps some of the people supporting the Great Silly Nothingburger Resolution of the Malcontents did not have this advantage. Or, if they did, forgot what they learned. Regardless, it’s all just common sense.

If the Chairman and Treasurer of any given political party committee did not have such dictatorial power, virtually every action of the committees would be “committee-ed to death.” As was on display at the November 4, 2015 meeting of the MCRC EGC meeting. Let’s assume it took 2 hours to deal with the silly motion for the silly resolution. That means that 60 man hours (there are 30 voting members of the EGC) were spent on a silly motion and silly resolution rather than being expended on achieving these objectives:

The objective of the MCRC is to uphold the principles and policies as set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Republican Party Platform. We will promote the political education of all Republican Party workers and loyalty to the Republican Party platform. We will also support the election of our party candidates who uphold the principles and policies as set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Republican Party Platform.

(MCRC Bylaws, Article I – Object, Section 1 – Objective.)

From those pesky Continuing Bylaws of the Maricopa County Republican Committee that some members of the MCRC EGC apparently cannot quite seem to bring themselves to read and study.

And let us assume that, in addition to the 30 voting members in attendance in person or by proxy, an additional 20 Republicans attended the November 4, 2015 meeting. That’s 100 man hours lost to silliness. Who, exactly, is the leader of the proponents of the Great Silly Nothingburger Resolution of the Malcontents? Please come forward to receive the accolades you deserve as the prime mover behind the Great Silly Nothingburger Resolution of the Malcontents!

Yes, complaining about the Chairman who has violated no Bylaws provision, through a time-wasting motion for a baseless and substance-less resolution containing no facts but only allegations, and which has no binding effect on anyone, is such a great, great use of the time of the MCRC EGC members. (Um, that’s sarcasm, just in case you have not caught my drift.)

The MCRC PCs who brought the silly motion and voted for it apparently can’t quite grasp the duties of the members of the MCRC, as set forth in the Bylaws. (But then, how many of them have actually read the Bylaws, or had a copy with them at the meeting? Based on the silly motion they brought forward, I think I know the answer.):

The duties of PCs shall include, but not be limited to:

Voting, in person or by proxy, at each and every district and county party election when qualified to do so,

Assisting the Republican Party in voter registration,

Assisting and encouraging Republican voters to vote on election days,

Attending all District meetings,

Working within the precinct from which elected,

Creating enthusiasm and support for the Republican Party,

Helping elect worthy Republican candidates,

Recruiting and training leaders of the Republican Party, and

Fostering loyalty to the Republican Party and promote its ideals.

The PC shall provide the district, county, and state party offices with an email address, if they have one. District, county and state party offices may not allow email addresses to be used for any purpose other than internal party communications and shall not distribute an email address to anyone, including other PCs without the express consent of the affected precinct committeeman.

(I am going to make it hard – look this up.)

How did the bringing of the Great Silly Nothingburger Resolution of the Malcontents (the “Nothingburger”) “encourage[e] Republican voters to vote on election days . . . ?”

How did the bringing off the Nothingburger encourage MCRC EGC members to “Attend[] all District meetings . . . .?” Several MCRC EGC members left the meeting early in disgust over the bickering of the proponents of the Nothingburger.

Smart people.

How did the bringing of the Nothingburger “creat[e] enthusiasm and support for the Republican Party . . . ?”

How did the bringing of the Nothingburger further the MCRC EGC PCs’ goal of “Helping elect worthy Republican candidates . . . ?”

How did the bringing of the Nothingburger further the MCRC EGC PCs’ goal of “Recruiting and training leaders of the Republican Party . . . ?”

How did the bringing of the Nothingburger further the MCRC EGC PCs’ goal of “Fostering loyalty to the Republican Party and promote its ideals . . . ?”

How did the bringing of the Nothingburger further the EGC’s duty to “Act collectively as an advisory and guidance group to the MCRC Chairman?”

How did the bringing of the Nothingburger further the EGC’s duty to “Assist the MCRC Chairman with the specific responsibilities designated for each member by the MCRC Chairman?”

To ask these questions is to answer them. This silly, out of order, proposed resolution was brought by people who apparently can’t quite grasp that our Arizona Republican Party is comprised of volunteer precinct committeemen who are to work together, voluntarily. It is not “public.” It is not government. It is a voluntary association of, ostensibly, like-minded citizens who have registered to vote as a Republican and who want to work together to further the goals of the AZ GOP and, in the case of those in Maricopa County, the MCRC.

A motion that does not further the goals of the organization is out of order. Even if it had passed, the Great Silly Nothingburger Resolution of the Malcontents would be null and void.

PHOENIX – Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey today announced he will not seek a second term as Chairman due to upcoming knee surgeries that will likely require a lengthy recovery period. His term will end when the party’s State Committee meets January 26th and elects the Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.

“My tenure as Chairman has been a fulfilling one for me, and I wish my current health circumstances did not prevent me from continuing to serve the party in the near term. Once my recovery is complete, I expect to be fully involved in continuing to help our conservative candidates for office,” Morrissey said. “I am proud of the numerous things the Party accomplished under my leadership: we erased our debt, and for the first time in Arizona’s history our Party holds all our statewide offices and majorities in the Legislature. We had success on so many fronts throughout this great state because we worked hard to uphold our conservative principles and get our candidates elected.”

PHOENIX – Tom Morrissey, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, today issued a statement in support of Congressman David Schweikert after party leadership in Washington, D.C. removed Schweikert from his position on the House Financial Services Committee.

“Congressman Schweikert is not only a principled conservative but he is exceptionally qualified to continue his service on the Financial Services Committee. In these particularly pressing times it is essential that our party use every available ounce of talent, experience and fiscal responsibility to lead our nation back into prosperity, and we are counting on every one of Arizona’s representatives in Congress to do just that.”

Legislative Leadership Elections on November 7th Must Reflect Republican Values

PHOENIX – Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey issued the following statement after leaders of the Maricopa, Pinal, Gila and Navajo County Republican party committees recently passed resolutions reminding Republican officeholders to elect leaders who support key Republican principles.

“While our recent efforts statewide have been focused entirely on electing Republicans to office, it is readily apparent that the grassroots level of our Republican Party also strongly desires to ensure that our legislators, once elected, also choose leaders who will uphold Republican principles. As Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party, I understand and am giving voice to the sentiments expressed by our county committees. Our Republican legislators should consider the significant contribution that Republicans at the grassroots level make to our party in tomorrow’s leadership elections. The grassroots of our party — including thousands of precinct committeemen, volunteers, and donors — are the core strength of our organization. For us to be successful as a whole all of our members must remain dedicated to upholding our platform, maintaining our integrity, and recognizing the expressed desires of the people we represent. We, who are entrusted with public office, must never lose sight of the fact that we serve those who elected us, and not vice versa.”

Sinema Not Yet Responding to Letter of Inquiry into Her List of Clients

PHOENIX – With just two weeks until election day, Kirsten Sinema’s campaign is still refusing to release the list of murderers she claimed to defend.

Kyrsten Sinema, running for Congress in Arizona’s Ninth District, once proudly boasted about her work as a “criminal defense attorney who represents murderers.” (Shawn Macomber, “The Marginalized Mainstream,” The American Spectator, June 14, 2006)

Today marks Day 14 of her receipt of a hand-delivered letter from Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey asking her to release her client list, including the murderers she claimed to represent. No response has been received.

“If you run for Congress, you shouldn’t be running from your past.” said Tom Morrissey, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party which is headquartered in Arizona’s Ninth Congressional District. “Sinema is trying to erase her past and pretend she’s someone else, and we think voters simply want to know more about the deeds she’s done than she’s willing to reveal.”

Below is the letter Morrissey sent to Ms. Sinema asking her to stop hiding her client list.

October 9, 2012

Ms. Kyrsten Sinema123 E Baseline Rd. D-202Tempe, AZ 85283

Dear Kyrsten:

As the former Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for Arizona, I strongly believe it is important for the people of Arizona and this Congressional district to know whom you stand with.

In a 2006 interview with American Spectator magazine, and while a member of the Arizona Legislature, you proudly boasted that you were a “criminal defense attorney who represents murderers.”

Your voting record is also troubling.

In 2009, you were one of five state representatives to vote against a bill (SB 1253) that adds drive by shooting to the list of specified felonies that are subject to the felony murder classification. This measure was passed in bipartisan fashion 50-5.

In 2007, you were the Prime Sponsor of HB 2278, a bill to end the death penalty for murderers and rapists. Luckily your bill wasn’t passed.

In light of your pronouncements of support for murderers I ask you to immediately release your entire client list of any murderers you have represented or currently represent.

PHOENIX – Arizona Republican Party Chairman, Tom Morrissey, released the following statement today regarding speculation of his candidacy for Pinal County Sheriff:

“I am not now nor will be a candidate for Pinal County Sheriff. Contrary to political rumors being spread, I have absolutely no interest in running for Pinal County Sheriff.

“Several individuals did indeed approach me with the political proposition of seeking the seat. And while I was truly humbled by their confidence and request to return to the law enforcement arena, I respectfully declined.

“Furthermore, I take my commitment and loyalty to the Arizona Republican Party and its members very serious. State Committeemen who elected me as Chairman have entrusted me with the important role of raising money, registering Republicans and electing Republicans at all levels of government. I am absolutely committed to fulfilling that obligation and leading the GOP to victory during my entire term.”

Phoenix, AZ – Chairman Tom Morrissey speaks on the investigation into the IRC by the Attorney General Phoenix – “I applaud the action taken today by Attorney General Horne to investigate the actions of the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) for their outlandish action to award a contract to Strategic Telemetry for mapping consultant services. The unprecedented action by the IRC flies in the face of our state laws on many counts.

History clearly demonstrates the undeniable fact that this company is neither independent nor non-partisan. Since this process will determine the electoral lines for the next ten years, the voters of this state MUST be assured that the redistricting process is fair and balanced. In addition, there are two other firms that submitted proposals to provide the expertise for the mapping services – including the company that provided that service ten years ago with no missteps and an Arizona company with a wide-ranging expertise in Arizona communities of interest. The price tag for the proposals from these two companies, COMBINED was about the same as the proposal inappropriately approved by the IRC. Arizona taxpayers expect – no, DEMAND, better judgment from this commission.

If the Independent Redistricting Commission cannot take the first step in this process in a legal and ethical manner, Arizonans across the political spectrum will have no faith in the final redistricting plan. Republicans, Independents, Democrats and Libertarians deserve better, and I strongly support the actions of the Attorney General to protect all the citizens of our great state.”

Phoenix, AZ – If May’s job numbers weren’t bad enough, according to the monthly jobs report, the U.S. economy created a measly 18,000 new jobs in June raising the unemployment rate from 9.1 to 9.2 percent. The unemployment rate is now two full points higher than it was in the Department of Labor’s report in January 2009—the first month of the Obama Presidency.

“This is not simply a ‘bump’ on the road to recovery. President Obama’s economic policies have totally failed,” said Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey. “Continuing the President’s policies will only drive up the unemployment rate further. We cannot afford these disastrous policies any longer.”

In spite of the horrible price the American public is paying for their failed policies, the Democrat entitlement crowd continues to pressure the Obama Administration for more government intervention, increased government spending and higher taxes. Additional interference into private enterprise from the government will only increase the downward economic spiral resulting in higher unemployment, more debt and fewer jobs. In a speech on the floor of the Senate on March 6, 2006, then-Senator Barack Obama said, “You don’t raise taxes in a recession.” Obviously, the left-wing extremists of his party have convinced the President to change course—yet again.

“It’s time to limit government’s involvement in the economy. This means lowering taxes, reducing regulations and creating jobs,” said Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey. “It doesn’t get any clearer: Obama’s failed economic policies punish small business and kill job creation. I strongly support our Republican Congressional position that calls for spending cuts with no new taxes.”

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